Description
This delicious and comforting Chicken with Apples and Maple Lime Sauce recipe features tender seared chicken breasts smothered in a sweet and tangy sauce made from fresh apples, maple syrup, lime juice, and Dijon mustard. The skillet-cooked dish perfectly balances the bright citrus flavors with the natural sweetness of apples, making it an ideal main course for a cozy fall dinner. Serve it alongside mashed potatoes, wild rice, or roasted vegetables for a complete meal.
Ingredients
Scale
Chicken and Vegetables
- 4 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 apples (such as Honeycrisp or Fuji), thinly sliced
- 1 small red onion, thinly sliced
- 2 tablespoons butter
Maple Lime Sauce
- ¼ cup pure maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons lime juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 teaspoon lime zest
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon fresh thyme or ½ teaspoon dried thyme
Instructions
- Season and Sear Chicken: Season the chicken breasts evenly with salt and pepper. Heat olive oil in a large skillet over medium-high heat. Place the chicken in the skillet and sear each side for 4–5 minutes until golden brown and almost cooked through. Remove the chicken from the skillet and set aside.
- Cook Apples and Onion: In the same skillet, add butter. Then add the thinly sliced apples and red onion. Cook for 4–5 minutes, stirring occasionally, until softened and lightly caramelized.
- Prepare Maple Lime Sauce: While the apples and onions cook, whisk together maple syrup, fresh lime juice, lime zest, Dijon mustard, and thyme in a small bowl until well combined.
- Simmer Chicken in Sauce: Return the seared chicken breasts to the skillet with the apples and onions. Pour the maple lime sauce over the top. Reduce the heat to medium-low, cover the skillet, and let simmer for 5–7 minutes until the chicken reaches an internal temperature of 165°F and the sauce thickens slightly.
- Serve: Serve the chicken warm with the apple slices and maple lime sauce spooned over the top. This dish pairs wonderfully with mashed potatoes, wild rice, or roasted vegetables.
Notes
- For extra flavor, marinate the chicken in 1 tablespoon lime juice and a pinch of thyme before cooking.
- Use a mix of sweet and tart apples to create a balanced flavor profile.
- Ensure chicken is cooked to a safe internal temperature of 165°F for best results.
- Leftovers can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
